EP0460432A2 - Système pour contrôler le niveau d'huile - Google Patents

Système pour contrôler le niveau d'huile Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0460432A2
EP0460432A2 EP91107849A EP91107849A EP0460432A2 EP 0460432 A2 EP0460432 A2 EP 0460432A2 EP 91107849 A EP91107849 A EP 91107849A EP 91107849 A EP91107849 A EP 91107849A EP 0460432 A2 EP0460432 A2 EP 0460432A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
oil
crankcase
level
prism
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP91107849A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0460432A3 (en
EP0460432B1 (fr
Inventor
William J. Barbier
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AC&R Components Inc
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AC&R Components Inc
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0460432A3 publication Critical patent/EP0460432A3/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • G01F23/2922—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms
    • G01F23/2925—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels with light-conducting sensing elements, e.g. prisms using electrical detecting means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/07—Details of compressors or related parts
    • F25B2400/075—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/03—Oil level
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
    • F25B31/002—Lubrication
    • F25B31/004—Lubrication oil recirculating arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to fluid level control systems and more particularly to several embodiments of an oil level control system having sensor means mounted on the crankcase of refrigeration compressors or like devices.
  • the present oil control system provides means for accurately monitoring and maintaining the level of oil in the respective compressor crankcases at a desired level without being affected by changes in compressor usage, pressure differentials, normal or unusual oil loss, or the presence of foam on the crankcase oil.
  • the present device may also be used to limit the amount of oil in the crankcase or to maintain the oil depth within some pre-established range.
  • the present oil level control system is especially adapted for use with commercial and industrial refrigeration systems and for independently controlling the oil level of each individual compressor in a system including two or more compressors that share a common refrigerant piping network and a common source of compressor oil.
  • the present level control system may have several different embodiments of optical oil level sensing means for mounting on a compressor crankcase in position to monitor the oil level therein and the system preferrably includes solenoid valve means located between a source or sources of oil and the individual crankcases, which valve means are energizable by the sensing means to supply oil to the respective crankcases when the level of oil falls below some predetermined oil level.
  • the present oil level control system may include means for cycling the valve means on and off so that any foam that is produced does not affect the oil level being sensed and the system may include alarm means for signaling an operator when particular conditions exist such as an over or under supply of oil in a crankcase.
  • Foaming can cause a change in the level control point if the foam is sufficiently dense and it can cause the float to be suspended above the surface of the oil resulting in a lower than desired oil level. Foaming not only affects mechanical float valves, but also other level control devices that use a floating member to actuate means such as a switch that controls a solenoid or other valve means. Furthermore, because foam changes the characteristics of the oil surface, some level control systems having optical level sensing means such as photoelectric cells or the like which operate in a way to distinguish between the liquid surface and the gas above, can be affected by a foaming condition. Typically, such devices will incorrectly interpret the foam to be oil and allow the actual oil level to fall below the desired level.
  • the present oil level control system overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations associated with known constructions and teaches the contruction and operation of several embodiments of a system which more accurately and precisely monitors and adjusts the level of oil in a compressor crankcase during both normal operating conditions, and when subjected to adverse conditions such as changes in pressure, oil loss rate and the presence of foam on the oil surface.
  • the present device also provides more positive open and closed conditions to more accurately control the flow of oil to the compressor, and which thereafter is less likely to leak during periods of non-use.
  • the present oil level control system can be used to control the oil level in a single compressor system as well as to control the oil level in the individual compressors in a multi-compressor system wherein the oil level in the individual compressors is independently controlled while drawing fresh oil from a common source or reservoir.
  • the present system includes optical oil level sensing means, several embodiments of which are disclosed. These devices are relatively unaffected by changing pressure differential, oil loss rate and oil density and they are relatively unaffected by foaming.
  • the present optical level sensing means When in use, generally require no adjustment other than the initial adjustment to establish the desired oil level.
  • the present systems are especially well suited to use with solenoid valves which have positive open and closed conditions and relatively constant operating characteristics even under changing system conditions. Solenoid valves, unlike the more conventional float valves, are also much less prone to leakage.
  • the present system also includes circuit means for energizing and deenergizing the solenoid valve in response to changes in the output of the optical level sensing means, and the present system is adaptable to use in multi-compressor systems where the oil level in each different compressor in the system is individually monitored and controlled. Such systems are often found in refrigeration and air conditioning systems where a plurality of compressors, each operating independently of the others, are used.
  • the optical oil level sensing means included in the present system include a prism sightglass, one of which is mounted in the crankcase wall of each compressor in the system and operates in conjunction with an optical coupler including a light source and light sensor sometimes referred to as a detector or transducer.
  • Each prism has two angularly related prism surfaces which are vertically oriented and exposed to the oil in the compressor crankcase so that the oil surface will be adjacent to the prism surfaces over the range of oil levels to be monitored and controlled.
  • optical couplers are disclosed in which either one or several optical couplers are provided, each including one or more light sources and one or more sensor, detector, or transducer.
  • the optical couplers can be used to control oil level, to detect a range of oil levels and to detect critical high and critical low oil levels and to produce an alarm when either such condition is sensed.
  • the prism sightglass isolates the optical coupler components from the crankcase oil and hence they are not exposed to or affected by changes in oil pressure, oil density and other conditions that exist inside the crankcase.
  • the light source for each optical coupler produces a beam of light which is directed at the prism through the sightglass and impinges a spot on one of the angularly related faces that is exposed to the oil.
  • the amount of this light that is reflected by the surface depends on the condition in the crankcase behind the surface, more of the light being reflected if the oil level is below the level where the light impinges.
  • the light that is reflected impinges as a spot on the other angularly related prism surface and is reflected by that surface through the sighted glass or prism, sometimes also called an optical window, again depending on the condition in the crankcase behind that spot. Whether light reaches the sensor therefore depends on the level of the oil.
  • Each light sensor or detector generates or does not generate an output signal depending upon whether or not light is received from its associated light source. The nature of the signal produced by a transducer is representative of whether the oil level is above or below the level of that light coupler.
  • optical coupler arrangements including constructions having a single optical coupler at a fixed location which can be vertically adjustable.
  • Two vertically spaced optical couplers can be used to establish a range of acceptable oil level and still more can be used to establish a desired level or range of levels and to produce alarms when the oil level rises too high or falls too low.
  • all of the optical couplers are arranged vertically.
  • No known oil level control system has the capability of as accurately and precisely monitoring oil level or range of oil level and none does so in a system that may include any number of compressors.
  • optical couplers may be affected by the presence of foam on the oil surface in the crankcase as a result of evaporation of refrigerant or for other reasons.
  • the present system may include means to cycle the solenoid valves between their open and closed conditions to dissipate the foam for more accurate sensing of the actual oil level.
  • the valve stays open for a minimum time period to prevent foam from terminating oil flow to the crankcase. No existing oil level control system has such a feature.
  • the foam dissipates allowing the optical coupler to obtain accurate oil level indications.
  • the solenoid valves can then be controlled as needed to accurately and precisely add oil to maintain the desired oil level.
  • the present system has a separate independently controllable solenoid valve to control the introduction of oil into the crankcase of each compressor.
  • the valves are electrically energized and are not affected by fluctuating pressure or pressure differentials or by changes in oil level or surface density due to foaming conditions and the like.
  • the crankcase conditions do not affect the valve means used because the valves are positively fully open or fully closed and the force maintaining the valve in the open and closed conditions is not dependent on or affected by any of the above factors.
  • Another object is to provide an oil level control system which accurately and precisely maintains the oil in a refrigeration compressor crankcase at a desired level.
  • Another object is to provide an oil level control system for use with a variety of commercial and industrial refrigeration systems including systems having two or more compressors sharing a common refrigerant piping network.
  • Another object is to provide an oil level control system for multiple compressor refrigeration systems which independently controls the oil level in individual compressors.
  • Another object is to provide an oil level control system which is relatively inexpensive to make and install on compressors and like devices.
  • Another object is to maintain a desired oil level in a compressor by means which are relatively unaffected by system conditions such as system pressures and pressure changes.
  • Another object is to provide means to produce an alarm condition when the fluid level in a system rises above or falls below preestablished levels.
  • Another object is to reduce the maintenance and adjustment required to maintain a desired oil level in a compressor.
  • Another object is to provide oil level monitoring and controlling means that can be adjusted to be as sensitive as desired.
  • Another object is to enable use of solenoid valves to feed oil into the crankcases of compressors as needed to maintain a desired oil level.
  • Fig. 1 discloses a multiple compressor system 10 having oil level control means embodying the teachings of the present invention.
  • the system 10 is shown including two refrigerant compressors 12 and 14.
  • the compressors 12 and 14 include crankcases 16 and 18 respectively on which are mounted means for sensing the level of oil therein, and when required produces an output that can be used to control valve means such as solenoid valve means 20 and 22 to feed oil into the compressors 12 and 14 respectively.
  • the compressors 12 and 14 can share oil from a common source 24 if desired. While Fig. 1 illustrates a system having two compressors, it is understood that any number of compressors each controlled by its own oil level sensor can be included.
  • the system 10 shown in Fig. 1 has output conduits 26 and 28 connected to the respective compressors 12 and 14 and return conduits 30 and 32 respectively to each of the compressors.
  • the compressors also have sensor means 34 and 36 mounted on the respective crankcases 16 and 18 as will be described and the sensors 34 and 36 are connected to respective electric control panels 38 and 40 by leads 42 and 44 respectively.
  • the controls 38 and 40 also have other electrical connections 46 and 48 which are connected to the respective solenoid valves 20 and 22.
  • the oil accumulation vessel 24 receives oil from a source through conduit 50.
  • An outlet conduit 52 communicates vessel 24 with respective conduits 54 and 56 which have their opposite ends connected to the inlet sides 58 and 60 of the solenoid valves 20 and 22.
  • the outlet sides 62 and 64 of the solenoid valves 20 and 22 are connected by conduits 66 and 68 to the respective crankcases 16 and 18. This means that whenever the solenoid valves 20 and/or 22 are energized as will be described, oil will be delivered from the source 50 into the respective crankcase to increase the oil level therein.
  • the construction and operation of the sensor means 34 and 36 and the circuit means associated therewith is the construction and operation of the sensor means 34 and 36 and the circuit means associated therewith.
  • Several different embodiments of the sensors will be described as will several different embodiments of the circuitry associated therewith. The embodiment that is selected will depend upon the kind of information required, the adjustability of the oil level, and whether or not it is desired to produce alarm conditions such as a noise or flashing light when the oil level in a particular compressor rises above some predetermined level or falls below some other predetermined level.
  • Fig. 2 shows a portion of the crankcase 16 of the compressor 12.
  • the crankcase 16 has an opening or window 70 formed therein, and the window 70 is closed by a housing member 72 which has provisions such as threaded members 74 and 76 for attaching it to the crankcase 16.
  • the closure member 72 is also shown having a channel 78 for receiving an O-ring 80 which forms a seal between the crankcase and the member 72.
  • the member 72 also has an opening in which is sealably mounted a prism member or sight glass 82 which is part of an optical coupler assembly 84 (Fig. 4). The prism as shown in Fig.
  • crankcase 4 has a flat outer surface 86 and two angularly oriented surfaces 88 and 90 formed on the inner surface, the surface which is exposed to the inside of crankcase 16 so as to be in contact with the crankcase oil.
  • the surfaces 88 and 90 are positioned to be oriented vertically and are also oriented at 90° to each other.
  • One or both of the surfaces 88 and 90 can also be entirely or partially covered with a layer of material to reduce their exposure to the oil in the crankcase.
  • a light source 92 mounted opposite from the prism surface 88 is a light source 92 and mounted opposite from the prism surface 90 is a light detector or sensor device 94.
  • the light source 92 is positioned to direct its light through the prism member 82 and at a 45° angle to the surface 88.
  • the surface 88 is oriented to reflect some of the light impinging thereon toward the surface 90 which in turn is oriented to reflect some of the light it receives toward the light detector or sensor 94.
  • the amount of light from the light source 92 that reaches the detector 94 will depend upon whether the level of oil in the compressor crankcase is above or below the level at which the light from the light source 92 impinges on the surface 88.
  • the level of oil is below the location on the surface 88 where the light impinges, the light will be reflected to the surface 90 and into the detector 94. If the level of oil is above the level of the detector 94, little or no light will be reflected to the detector 94. This then can be used as a means to make a distinction between an adequate level of oil and a level of oil that is less than adequate and therefore needs to be added to. If the oil level is below the level of the light detector 94, a signal will be produced by the light detector that can be used to energize a solenoid valve to cause oil to be fed into the crankcase until the signal is no longer present. It is also contemplated to provide optical isolation such as shield 93 (Fig. 4) between the light source or sources and the sensor or detector elements to prevent the sensor or detector elements from receiving light directly from the light source or light sources.
  • optical isolation such as shield 93 (Fig. 4) between the light source or sources and the sensor or detector elements to prevent the sensor or detector elements from receiving light directly from the light source
  • Fig. 3 shows the relative orientation of the prism surfaces 88 and 90 as viewed from the left in Fig. 2 and with the light source and light detector being removed.
  • Fig. 5 shows a construction of the optical coupler means 84 mounted in association with the prism 82.
  • a single optical coupler 84 is provided and the connections for the light source 92 and the sensor 94 are shown included in leads 96 which are connected remotely to a circuit which will be described later.
  • the optical coupler 84 is mounted in a housing 98 which is attached to the member 72 by suitable means.
  • the light source and sensor or detector elements are mounted on a wall member 100 which is supported on the wall of the housing 98 by rivets 102 and 104 or other suitable means.
  • a grommet 106 is also provided for the passage of the leads 96 and surrounding sheath 108 in which they are located.
  • Fig. 6 is a left view of the construction shown in Fig. 5 showing the location of the elements therein. Note that the housing member 98 has side flanges 110 and 112 which are connected to the member 72 by means of threaded members 114 and 116.
  • Fig. 7 is similar in most respects to Fig. 5 but differs therefrom in that the wall member 100 is replaced by wall member 118 which is mounted on flanges 120 and 122 one of which has a threaded member 124 mounted thereon as shown.
  • a threaded member or screw 126 extends downwardly through an opening in the upper wall of the housing member 98 and can be rotated in either direction to cause the optical coupler 84 to be moved vertically in order to establish a desired oil level for the crankcase 16.
  • the construction shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is similar to the construction shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified circuit diagram for the optical couplers 84 shown in Figs. 5 and 7.
  • the circuit includes a positive voltage terminal 130, a negative voltage terminal 132, and an output terminal 134.
  • a resistor 136 and light source 138 are connected in series across the positive and negative terminals 130 and 132 so that the light source 138 will be energized at all times when the system is operating.
  • a light sensor or optical detector 142 which responds to light received from the light source 138 as described above.
  • the sensor When sufficient light impinges on the detector 142 the sensor will in effect short circuit, and this will cause a substantial change in the voltage on the output terminal 134.
  • This voltage change can then be used to cause a solenoid valve to be energized to feed oil into the crankcase as will be explained in connection with Fig. 16.
  • Fig. 10 shows another embodiment 150 of the subject device which includes a sensor assembly 152 that has four vertically spaced optical couplers 154, 156, 158, and 160 located adjacent to the external surface of the prism member 82.
  • Each optical coupler 154, 156, 158, and 160 operates similar to the optical couplers 84 described above in connection with Figs. 5 and 7, and each includes respective light sources 162, 164, 166, and 168 (Fig. 12) and detectors 170, 172, 174, and 176.
  • the light sources 162-168 are connected with resistor 178 across a voltage source, and each of the optical detectors 170-176 is biased by a respective resistor 180, 182, 184 and 186, as shown.
  • resistor 180, 182, 184 and 186 is biased by a respective resistor 180, 182, 184 and 186, as shown.
  • the output sides of the respective detectors 170-176 are connected to respective terminals 188, 190, 192, and 194 of multiposition switch 196.
  • the switch 196 has a movable contact 198 which can be positioned in engagement with any one of the terminals 188-194 depending on which of the optical couplers is selected to sense the desired oil level to be maintained in the crankcase.
  • the individual optical couplers 154-160 are constructed and operate in the same manner described above in connection with the optical couplers of Figs. 5-7.
  • Figs. 13-15 show another embodiment 200 of the subject device which likewise has four vertically spaced optical couplers 202-208 connected into a circuit somewhat similar to the circuit of Fig. 12. However, instead of having a multiposition switch with separate terminals connected to the output of each optical detector, the circuit of Fig. 15 has the outputs of each of the respective optical detectors 210-216 connected through respective biasing resistors 218-224 to other biasing resistors 226 and 228. The output of the circuit of Fig. 15 appears on terminal 230. With the construction shown in Fig. 15, it is possible to sense various oil levels including oil levels that are above or below the level of all of the optical couplers as well as oil levels that are above or between the various optical couplers as desired.
  • the number of optical couplers that have their optical detectors receiving sufficient light from the associated light sources determines the level or range of oil levels that are present. If all four of the optical detectors are receiving light from their associated light sources, all will be in a conducting condition and each of their respective biasing resistors 218-224 will be effectively connected to the negative side or terminal 232 of the power supply. The opposite side of the detectors 210-216 will be connected through respective resistors 218-224 to the voltage divider circuit formed by the resistors 226 and 228. Under these conditions the magnitude of the output appearing on the output terminal 230 will be at its lowest possible potential.
  • the magnitude of the output potential on the terminal 230 will be at a somewhat higher potential and the difference can be detected by circuit means and used to perform some function as will be described.
  • the different magnitudes of the output voltage can be sensed and used to control circuit means to energize a solenoid valve or operate warning lights or the like, and all of the detectors can be used to establish any desired output analog signal depending on the adjustment of the circuit potentometers which will be described in connection with Figs. 16 and 17. While Figs. 10 and 12 show the use of four light sources and detectors, the number can be increased to obtain closer level control or decreased to any number greater than one.
  • Fig. 16 shows a circuit 250 for use with the optical coupler constructions shown Figs. 5, 7, 10, 12, 13, and 15, and Fig. 17 shows a circuit 252 for use with the construction shown in Figs. 13-15.
  • the circuit 250 has input terminals 254, 256, and 258.
  • the terminal 254 is labeled + and is connected to the positive potential terminal of the power supply.
  • the terminal 256 is the negative potential input terminal or ground, and the terminal 258 receives the operating outputs of the optical coupler such as the operating outputs on terminals 134 or 199 of the circuits shown in Figs. 9 and 12.
  • the input signals to Fig. 16 from the outputs of the optical coupler are applied as one of the two inputs 260 of operational (OP) amplifier 262, which amplifier acts as a high impedance buffer circuit and has its output connected by lead 264 back to the other input thereto.
  • the output of the OP amplifier 262 is also connected to one of two inputs 266 of comparator circuit 268 which operates to compare the input signal appearing on the output of the optical coupler to an arbitrary signal level established on the other input of the comparator 268 by the adjustment of potentiometer 270.
  • the potentiometer can therefore be set to establish any desired oil level.
  • the OR gate 274 is suitably connected into and is part of an optional timing circuit 276.
  • the timing circuit 276 is provided to cycle (turn on and off) the operation of a solenoid valve 20 (or 22) (Fig. 1) which is provided to cause oil to be added to the crankcase 16 (or 18). The cycling is done to allow time for the dissipation of foam that may accumulate in the crankcase so that the signals produced by the optical couplers will accurately indicate the true oil level.
  • the outputs of the OR gate 274 are applied as inputs to the timer circuit 276 suitably biased to establish a desired operating or cycling condition by resistors 278 and 280, capacitor 282 and diode 284 connected as shown.
  • the output of the timer circuit 276 includes an inverter circuit 286 which, by connection of its output to OR gate 274, is a latch type circuit, the output of which is connected to driver circuit 288 which has its output in turn connected to one side of solenoid coil 290 of the solenoid valve 20 (or 22).
  • the latch circuit is constructed to hold for a minimum on cycle.
  • the respective solenoid valve 20 When the solenoid coil 290 is energized, the respective solenoid valve 20 (or 22) will open to admit oil from the oil source 50 into the crankcase 16 or 18 until the desired oil level is reached as indicated by the optical coupler.
  • the timer circuit 276 will operate to energize and deenergize the solenoid coil 290 at some desired frequency as long as the optical coupler means indicates that the solenoid valve should be energized. This is done so that any foaming that occurs in the crankcase will dissipate before a reading is taken to determine if more oil should be added and therefore will not effect the accuracy of the optical coupler means.
  • the circuit 250 described in connection with Fig. 16 also includes a power supply circuit 292 shown having a transformer 294, a rectifier circuit 296, and a filter circuit formed by capacitors 298 and 300, a voltage regulator element 302, a resistor 304 and light emitting diode 306 connected in series across the circuit as shown.
  • the positive and negative output terminals 308 and 310 of the power supply are connected to the circuit inputs described above.
  • Fig. 17 has certain features which are similar to Fig. 16, but it also has features which enable it to be operated in conjunction with the optical coupler construction shown in Fig. 15, which construction produces various voltage levels depending upon the number of photo detectors or transducers 210-216 that are receiving light from light sources by way of the reflective surfaces on the prism member.
  • the circuit 252 of Fig. 17 includes a positive voltage input terminal 312, a negative voltage input terminal 314, and an active input terminal 316 which is connected to the output terminal 230 of the circuit shown in Fig. 15.
  • the input signals to the circuit of Fig. 17 are connected to one input 318 of OP amplifier 320 which has its output connected back to the second input 322 thereof.
  • the output 324 of the OP amp 320 is also connected to the inputs of other circuits including comparator circuit 326 suitably biased as shown.
  • the outputs of the comparator circuit 326 are connected to and through OR gate 328 which is part of a timer circuit 330 to a driver circuit 332 which has its output connected to one side of solenoid coil 334 of a solenoid valve.
  • the solenoid coil 334 is energized whenever the output of the OP amplifier 320 is above some predetermined voltage and is cycled by the timer circuit 330 as described above in connection with Fig. 16 to overcome the foam problem.
  • the output of the OP amplifier 320 is also connected to the positive and negative inputs of other comparator circuits 340-342 which are provided to control the energizing of an alarm coil 344.
  • the comparator circuit 340 produces an alarm signal whenever the oil level in the compressor crankcase exceeds some predetermined level and the comparator circuit 342 produces a similar alarm signal whenever the oil level in the compressor crankcase falls below some other predetermined minimum oil level. Both oil level conditions may be established by the settings of the circuit potentiometers. Except for the fact that one of the comparator circuit 340 is biased to respond to oil levels greater than a predetermined level and the comparator circuit 342 is biased to respond to oil levels that are less than a predetermined level the circuits 340 and 342 operate similarly and both produce the desired alarm condition.
  • the outputs of the comparators 340 and 342 are connected to the inputs of OR gate 346 which has its output connected to driver circuit 348, and the output of the driver circuit is connected to the alarm coil 344.
  • the circuits 326, 340 and 342 include associated biasing resistors which are selected to establish their operation conditions.
  • the main difference between the circuit shown in Fig. 17 and the circuit shown in Fig. 16 is that the circuit of Fig. 17 has an alarm producing device or coil 344 which when energized produces an alarm condition such as a display, a warning light, a warning sound or some combination of these.
  • the actual warning condition can be located remote from the compressors being monitored such as on a control panel or the like.
  • the present oil level control and monitor means provide a very accurate means for maintaining the oil level in the crankcases in one or more compressors, and it does so by means which positively energize or de-energize solenoid valves which are devices that are relatively unaffected by environmental and other conditions which affect more conventional oil level control means such as float valves and the like.
  • the present device also provides means for individually maintaining the oil level in a plurality of compressor crankcases at desired levels and in some embodiments enables adjusting the oil level as desired.
  • the device also provides the possibility of producing an alarm in cases of over-filling and under-filling. There are many conditions which can cause over and under-filling including a defective solenoid valve, a shortage of oil in the oil source or reservoir or separator, defective sensors, foaming conditions and the like.
  • Fig. 18 is a schematic view of the system 10 showing more of the details of the solenoid valve 20 which can be energized by the means described above.
  • the solenoid valve 20 is of the normally closed type permitting oil from conduit 54 to flow into conduit 66 only when the solenoid is energized.
  • the solenoid valve 20 includes valve stem 350, valve seat 352, biasing spring 354 and solenoid coil 356. In the normally closed position the spring 354 maintains the valve stem 350 in positive contact with valve seat 352 so as to prevent the flow of oil through the valve.
  • Valve stem 350 includes a resilient portion 358 which actually contacts the seat 352 and which provides a more positive seal thereagainst.
  • the stem 350 When the coil 356 is energized the stem 350 is positively urged in opposition to the spring 354 opening a passage between stem 350 and seat 352 allowing oil to flow into the crankcase. When the coil 356 is deenergized the force urging the stem 350 against the spring 354 is removed allowing the stem 350 to again positively close.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Compressor (AREA)
  • Control Of Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)
  • Lubrication Details And Ventilation Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
EP91107849A 1990-05-29 1991-05-15 Système pour contrôler le niveau d'huile Expired - Lifetime EP0460432B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US530895 1983-09-12
US07/530,895 US5103648A (en) 1990-05-29 1990-05-29 Oil level control system

Publications (3)

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EP0460432A2 true EP0460432A2 (fr) 1991-12-11
EP0460432A3 EP0460432A3 (en) 1992-04-15
EP0460432B1 EP0460432B1 (fr) 1995-11-02

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EP91107849A Expired - Lifetime EP0460432B1 (fr) 1990-05-29 1991-05-15 Système pour contrôler le niveau d'huile

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US (1) US5103648A (fr)
EP (1) EP0460432B1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2040391C (fr)
DE (1) DE69114185T2 (fr)
DK (1) DK0460432T3 (fr)

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EP0753722A2 (fr) * 1995-07-08 1997-01-15 Hussmann (Europe) Limited Système de surveillance pour la commande du niveau d'un fluide
WO1999013299A3 (fr) * 1997-09-05 1999-05-06 American Standard Inc Indicateur de niveau de liquide
ITPD20100081A1 (it) * 2010-03-16 2011-09-17 Uniflair S P A Sistema di controllo del livello dell'olio per una pluralita' di compressori in parallelo
DE102010015150A1 (de) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-20 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH Ölstandsanzeige für einen Schraubenverdichter
US10465675B2 (en) 2013-12-17 2019-11-05 Trane International Inc. Fluid valve

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US5327997A (en) * 1993-01-22 1994-07-12 Temprite, Inc. Lubrication management system
US5606125A (en) * 1994-06-28 1997-02-25 Lyons; Kevin Material level-interface control system
US5687687A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-11-18 Cummins Engine Company, Inc. Oil level sensor system
US5765994A (en) * 1995-07-14 1998-06-16 Barbier; William J. Low oil detector with automatic reset
US5852937A (en) * 1997-03-12 1998-12-29 Ac&R Components, Inc. Indicator cap and method of manufacture thereof
US5884494A (en) * 1997-09-05 1999-03-23 American Standard Inc. Oil flow protection scheme
JPH11294332A (ja) * 1998-04-08 1999-10-26 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 冷凍サイクルの圧縮機
US6386545B1 (en) * 1999-05-17 2002-05-14 Robert W. Evans Fluid plug
US6125642A (en) * 1999-07-13 2000-10-03 Sporlan Valve Company Oil level control system
US6276901B1 (en) 1999-12-13 2001-08-21 Tecumseh Products Company Combination sight glass and sump oil level sensor for a hermetic compressor
US6557412B1 (en) 2000-10-23 2003-05-06 William J. Barbier Non-fouling liquid level control
US7059839B2 (en) * 2002-12-10 2006-06-13 Tecumseh Products Company Horizontal compressor end cap with a terminal, a visually transparent member, and a heater well mounted on the end cap projection
US7082774B2 (en) * 2003-08-27 2006-08-01 Zahid Hussain Ayub Compressor oil removal in ammonia refrigeration system
JP2008014220A (ja) * 2006-07-06 2008-01-24 Honda Motor Co Ltd 車載内燃機関におけるオイルレベル点検窓の取付構造
US7788973B2 (en) * 2007-01-19 2010-09-07 Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. Combined sight oil level gage and ultrasonic sensor
US7652563B2 (en) * 2007-09-13 2010-01-26 Kuryakyn Holdings, Inc. Optical input device
EP2573338B1 (fr) 2011-09-20 2017-07-19 Safran Aero Boosters SA Contrôle du sur-remplissage d'un système de lubrification d'un moteur d'aéronef
GB2527545B (en) * 2014-06-25 2018-02-07 International Moisture Analysers Ltd Sight glass apparatus
US11085683B2 (en) * 2018-06-22 2021-08-10 Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions, Inc. Systems and methods for optical detection of refrigeration system abnormalities
US11422021B2 (en) 2019-11-25 2022-08-23 Rolls-Royce Corporation Oil quantity measurement apparatus and method
DE102020116788B4 (de) 2020-05-04 2023-08-24 Institut für Luft- und Kältetechnik gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH Ölstandsüberwachungsverfahren für Kältemaschinen
CN111537038A (zh) * 2020-06-23 2020-08-14 刘晓鹏 一种防汛期间水位测量报警装置
CN112944734B (zh) * 2021-03-01 2023-08-15 青岛海尔空调电子有限公司 空调压缩机油位确定方法和空调回油控制方法
US11422019B1 (en) * 2021-08-18 2022-08-23 Bnsf Railway Company System and method for fuel monitoring and spill prevention
US20240018953A1 (en) * 2022-07-15 2024-01-18 Kku/Iss, Inc. Sight glass assembly for collision repair pump

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EP0245563A1 (fr) * 1986-04-24 1987-11-19 Equipement Industriel Normand Détecteur de niveau optique électronique à capteur double
EP0447728A2 (fr) * 1989-11-29 1991-09-25 Jaeger Dispositif optique de mesure du niveau d'un niveau d'un liquide dans un réservoir, à l'aide d'un prisme à réflexion

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Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0753722A2 (fr) * 1995-07-08 1997-01-15 Hussmann (Europe) Limited Système de surveillance pour la commande du niveau d'un fluide
EP0753722A3 (fr) * 1995-07-08 1997-06-25 Hussmann Europ Ltd Système de surveillance pour la commande du niveau d'un fluide
WO1999013299A3 (fr) * 1997-09-05 1999-05-06 American Standard Inc Indicateur de niveau de liquide
US6131471A (en) * 1997-09-05 2000-10-17 American Standard Inc. Liquid level sensor
US6161395A (en) * 1997-09-05 2000-12-19 American Standard Inc. Liquid level sensor
EP1400788A1 (fr) * 1997-09-05 2004-03-24 American Standard Inc. Capteur de niveau de liquide et de détection de bulles
ITPD20100081A1 (it) * 2010-03-16 2011-09-17 Uniflair S P A Sistema di controllo del livello dell'olio per una pluralita' di compressori in parallelo
DE102010015150A1 (de) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-20 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH Ölstandsanzeige für einen Schraubenverdichter
WO2011128356A1 (fr) * 2010-04-16 2011-10-20 Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH Indicateur de niveau d'huile pour compresseur à vis
CN103026184A (zh) * 2010-04-16 2013-04-03 克诺尔-布里姆斯轨道车辆系统有限公司 用于螺旋式压缩机的油位指示器
US9260989B2 (en) 2010-04-16 2016-02-16 Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fur Schienenfahrzeuge Gmbh Oil level indicator for a screw-type compressor
CN103026184B (zh) * 2010-04-16 2016-07-20 克诺尔-布里姆斯轨道车辆系统有限公司 用于螺旋式压缩机的油位指示器
US10465675B2 (en) 2013-12-17 2019-11-05 Trane International Inc. Fluid valve

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2040391A1 (fr) 1991-11-30
DE69114185D1 (de) 1995-12-07
CA2040391C (fr) 1999-03-23
US5103648A (en) 1992-04-14
DK0460432T3 (da) 1996-03-04
EP0460432A3 (en) 1992-04-15
DE69114185T2 (de) 1996-05-02
EP0460432B1 (fr) 1995-11-02

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